The unique story of Jackie Robinson Ballpark
The Daytona Tortugas' Jackie Robinson Ballpark pays tribute to 1946 season.
“The Nine” is a Black-community focused outreach platform specifically designed to honor and celebrate the historic impact numerous Black baseball pioneers made on the sport, provide new opportunities for youth baseball and softball participation, further diversify the business of baseball and embrace millions of passionate fans throughout Minor League Baseball's 120 communities nationwide. Named for the number Jackie Robinson wore during his only season playing in MiLB with the Triple-A Montreal Royals in 1946, The Nine connects MiLB teams’ existing, Black-community focused development efforts with new national programming and future special events in a coordinated and centralized campaign. Learn more >>
For information on The Other Boys of Summer barnstorming tour, click here >>
Black History in the Minors
Strawberry's rise to stardom was fueled in the Minor Leagues
From high school phenom in Los Angeles to the top of the sports world in New York, the man they called "Straw" wasn't simply a baseball superstar, he was one of the most recognized athletes during the 1980s. His time in the Minors paved the way.
Black History Headlines
- How a Black pitcher's brief PCL stint in 1916 generated a historic card
- Fowler: A 19th-century baseball pioneer
- Check out newfound footage of Jackie Robinson
- Rickwood Field road trip -- Part III
- Rickwood Field road trip -- Part II
- Photos: MiLB at Rickwood Field hosts Gray Sox, Black Barons
- Rickwood Field road trip -- Part I
- Meet Rickwood's Black Barons and Gray Sox
- MiLB pays homage to the Negro Leagues in June
- Barons celebrate HBCU night at Regions Field
New Jackie mural overlooks Tulsa ballpark
Artwork acknowledging centennial of Tulsa Race Massacre aims to educate and inspire,
In Jersey City, statue marks Robinson's triumph
Statue commemorates scene of Jackie's first MiLB game with the Montreal Royals.
Robinson first made mark in Minor Leagues
MiLB.com recalls Jackie's path and legacy more than a century after his birth.
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The #RRExpress celebrate #BlackHistoryMonth by recognizing the legacy of the Austin Black Senators.
— Round Rock Express (@RRExpress) February 1, 2024
The E-Train honor the Black Senators on the field yearly as part of @MiLB's The Nine program. pic.twitter.com/4tbFjEf049 -
Great to see Hall of Famer and Rocky Mount's very own Buck Leonard featured in the latest edition of @MLBTheShow! Here's "Baseball's Greatest Fastball Hitter" at Five County Stadium in 1994. #BlackHistoryMonth https://t.co/ggJWi6mRaw pic.twitter.com/pvPpK14Lbb
— Carolina Mudcats (@CarolinaMudcats) February 13, 2024 -
If you’ve been to a Bats game, you know the “Cookie Lady”.
— Louisville Bats (@LouisvilleBats) February 15, 2024
Elizabeth Kizito left her home in Uganda and came to America in 1975 to pursue The American Dream.
Her hard work, amazing cookies & smile are forever etched in the legacy of Louisville Slugger Field.#BlackHistoryMonth pic.twitter.com/HNqr5gGw4f -
On June 10 last year, we honored the life and legacy of Medgar Evers with four generations on hand, including Reena Evers-Everette and Myrlie Evers. Take a listen to the message that empowers all of us!
— Mississippi Braves (@mbraves) February 5, 2024
We continue to salute the impact of so many this #BlackHistoryMonth. pic.twitter.com/cL7ffm50WJ -
In 2021, the Lansing Lugnuts inducted the Page Fence Giants into the MI Baseball Hall of Fame.
— Lansing Lugnuts (@LansingLugnuts) February 13, 2024
The 'Nuts paid homage to the team with replica jerseys, making a yearly appearance.
In 2022 our historical efforts were recognized with the Congressional Record. #BlackHistoryMonth pic.twitter.com/pwIavSN6LX -
We got to sit down with Chicago native @Korry_Howell during #BlackHistoryMonth to talk about how he got into the sport and how he’s gearing up for the new season.
— San Antonio Missions Baseball (@missionsmilb) February 21, 2024
Read the rest of the interview here: https://t.co/1i4YS2a2NL pic.twitter.com/IdMsbJxPR9 -
This season, we will continue to honor Nashville's rich baseball history by giving away a Henry Kimbro bobblehead on June 19th.
— Nashville Sounds (@nashvillesounds) February 16, 2024
Born in Nashville, Kimbro played a majority of his career on the Elite Giants and was one of the all-time greats in the history of the Negro Leagues. pic.twitter.com/TC9B1AQ09t -
As we continue celebrating #BlackHistoryMonth , we want to recognize one of Chattanooga’s very own Negro League teams, the Chattanooga Choo-Choos (1940-1946). The Choo-Choos were a Minor League Negro League Baseball team based in Chattanooga, Tennessee. The team was a member of… pic.twitter.com/M9WDPlVW0c
— Chattanooga Lookouts (@ChattLookouts) February 22, 2024 -
We are proud to work closely with Ambassador Elizabeth Johnson Rice to develop our various Richmond 34 Legacy initiatives. Ambassador Rice, who was a member of the Richmond 34, helps us tell the story and promote justice, peace and racial equality through her slogan, "LJAG." ❤️ https://t.co/g5lGhQXmCX pic.twitter.com/c6LyMVdHTI
— Richmond Flying Squirrels (@GoSquirrels) February 22, 2024 -
#OTD 1966: The American League announces the hiring of the first black umpire in @MLB history. Emmett Ashford, who worked Spokane Indians games in the Western International League and PCL between 1953-1965, will umpire his first big league game on Opening Day. #BHM pic.twitter.com/agbdrICkfY
— Spokane Indians (@spokaneindians) February 20, 2024 -
In conjunction with @MiLB’s The Nine, we are proud to don the Louisville Black Caps jerseys on August 9th.
— Louisville Bats (@LouisvilleBats) February 8, 2024
The Black Caps pay tribute to all Negro League teams throughout Louisville’s history, while highlighting our community’s Black owned businesses.#BlackHistoryMonth pic.twitter.com/RGAMNS7mLt -
As we kick off the first Friday of Black History Month, we're paying homage to our late and great Special Advisor, Grover "Deacon" Jones. Deacon left a legacy with our team and all of Fort Bend County, serving as the impetus to bring baseball to Sugar Land. #BlackHistoryMonth pic.twitter.com/LU94JDcFL2
— Sugar Land Space Cowboys (@SLSpaceCowboys) February 2, 2024 -
To celebrate #BlackHistoryMonth, The National Bobblehead Hall of Fame are unveiling Negro Leagues Mystery Bobblehead Boxes that gives fans mystery Negro Leagues Bobbleheads including Alabama legends Satchel Paige and Hank Aaron! ⚾️
— Birmingham Barons (@BhamBarons) February 2, 2024
Use the link in our bio to order yours today! pic.twitter.com/im6UlXxPRd -
Last season, the Trash Pandas had the privilege of visiting the Negro Southern League Museum and the oldest pro ballpark in America, Rickwood Field.
— Rocket City Trash Pandas (@trashpandas) February 1, 2024
We're looking forward to our Negro Leagues Tribute Night on June 8 and the MLB game at Rickwood on June 20!#BlackHistoryMonth pic.twitter.com/5hGVcgq5Sw -
Memphis Red Sox Night, August 10, 2024. We'll suit up in the throwback threads to honor Negro Leagues Baseball and Memphis' history not just during #BlackHistoryMonth, but throughout the entire year.
— Memphis Redbirds (@memphisredbirds) February 15, 2024
Learn more about our Memphis Red Sox Night HERE: https://t.co/ektjGXld1e pic.twitter.com/7enFMQz5zW -
Continuing our celebration of #BlackHistoryMonth with a look back at our games as the Raleigh Grays, a semi-pro Negro Leagues team that called downtown Raleigh home in the late 1930s and early 1940s. #TheNine pic.twitter.com/zw1amibPyn
— Carolina Mudcats (@CarolinaMudcats) February 13, 2024 -
It is a privilege to pay tribute to the Charlotte Black Hornets by wearing their iconic uniforms.
— Charlotte Knights (@KnightsBaseball) February 15, 2024
We are thrilled these uniforms will make a return in 2024, as we honor Negro Leagues Baseball & its tremendous impact on our sport not just during #BlackHistoryMonth, but all year. pic.twitter.com/AyFymaiz4h -
We are proud, alongside @MLB and all MiLB clubs, to celebrate #BlackHistoryMonth .
— Minor League Baseball (@MiLB) February 1, 2024
Follow along throughout the month and all season as we highlight the contributions and accomplishments of the Black baseball community. pic.twitter.com/Ujf0O8iFFw -
We are proud to join MLB and MiLB in celebrating the contributions and accomplishments of the Black baseball community, past and present, during #BlackHistoryMonth
— Columbia Fireflies (@ColaFireflies) February 1, 2024
Throughout the month, we will share numerous content pieces and stories highlighting some of these men and their… pic.twitter.com/nwnJkIJaAX
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Join @MLB, @MiLB, and the Threshers in celebrating the contributions and accomplishments of the Black baseball community, past and present, during #BlackHistoryMonth. pic.twitter.com/s7IxfKqCMF
— Clearwater Threshers (@Threshers) February 1, 2024 -
Join MLB, MiLB, and the River Bandits in celebrating the contributions and accomplishments of the Black baseball community!#BanditTogether🦝 | #BlackHistoryMonth pic.twitter.com/vIUWGnWoXY
— Quad Cities River Bandits (@QCRiverBandits) February 1, 2024 -
Celebrating Black History Month by spotlighting the brilliance of Massachusetts native Lewis Howard Latimer. His pioneering work in creating the incandescent light bulb continues to inspire generations🕯️ #BlackHistoryMonth pic.twitter.com/xP3B8s1Aag
— Hartford Yard Goats (@GoYardGoats) February 1, 2024 -
We’re proud to take the month of February to spotlight #BlackHistoryMonth and celebrate the impact & accomplishments of the Black baseball community. pic.twitter.com/ZpTp3QMzfM
— Louisville Bats (@LouisvilleBats) February 1, 2024 -
For #BlackHistoryMonth , we want to focus on Memphis’ very own Negro League baseball team, the Memphis Red Sox (1923-1950).
— Memphis Redbirds (@memphisredbirds) February 1, 2024
Join us throughout the month while we highlight notable players, show recognition, and tell the story of the Memphis Red Sox.⬇️ pic.twitter.com/TPSv9eKlRr -
This month the Dash are celebrating the Black baseball community as part of #BlackHistoryMonth. We are excited to celebrate the accomplishments and achievements of the 2023 Dash players who represent this community.#HoldTheLine pic.twitter.com/K5sXLFqdk9
— Winston-Salem Dash (@WSDashBaseball) February 1, 2024 -
We are proud to be apart of @MiLB’s The Nine initiative to spotlight #BlackHistory and celebrate the Black community & their contributions to American society pic.twitter.com/tpKDBwtx9C
— Chattanooga Lookouts (@ChattLookouts) February 1, 2024 -
The #RRExpress celebrate #BlackHistoryMonth by recognizing the legacy of the Austin Black Senators.
— Round Rock Express (@RRExpress) February 1, 2024
The E-Train honor the Black Senators on the field yearly as part of @MiLB's The Nine program. pic.twitter.com/4tbFjEf049 -
During Black History Month, we'll be highlighting the accomplishments of former Hooks throughout the month of February.
— Corpus Christi Hooks (@cchooks) February 1, 2024
Ray Sadler led the Hooks in 2007 and was named a Texas League Post-Season All-Star. He was also named team MVP, as he led the Hooks in home runs (24) and RBIs… pic.twitter.com/FvjcQ1wT9U -
We are proud to spotlight 2023 first baseman Maxwell Costes as a part of #BlackHistoryMonth
— Bowie Baysox (@BowieBaysox) February 1, 2024
A native of Baltimore, his father, who played baseball at local HBCU Bowie State, took him to Orioles games. Now a member of the O's system, Costes played 24 games with Bowie last season. pic.twitter.com/eWsbx2iWav -
All this month, we’ll be celebrating the careers of Black players throughout the history of the Spokane Indians.
— Spokane Indians (@spokaneindians) February 1, 2024
We start this series with the talented Tommy Davis, who won back-to-back batting titles with the @Dodgers.
#BlackHistoryMonth pic.twitter.com/qFMb388O2Q -
We're proud to celebrate #BlackHistoryMonth and the contributions made by the many talented Black athletes who have worn a Toledo uniform, including Moses Fleetwood Walker, the first Black man to play for a major league baseball team. pic.twitter.com/iWrEzev5Bw
— Toledo Mud Hens (@MudHens) February 1, 2024 -
Join @MLB, @MiLB and the Sea Dogs in celebrating the contributions and accomplishments of the Black baseball community, past and present, during #BlackHistoryMonth https://t.co/qyGvLqruLW pic.twitter.com/OqjXCoE5eF
— Portland Sea Dogs (@PortlandSeaDogs) February 1, 2024 -
Join @mlb, @milb, and the Bowling Green Hot Rods in celebrating the contributions and accomplishments of the Black baseball community, past and present, during #BlackHistoryMonth. pic.twitter.com/jKlnyvj7cA
— Bowling Green Hot Rods (@BGHotRods) February 1, 2024 -
We are proud to celebrate #BlackHistoryMonth
— Amarillo Sod Poodles (@sodpoodles) February 1, 2024
Follow along throughout the month as we highlight a new player each week who has made a positive impact in not only the Sod Poodles organization, but also throughout the baseball community. pic.twitter.com/oSQsqQ2UhC -
Join @mlb, @milb, and the Eugene Emeralds in celebrating the contributions and accomplishments of the Black baseball community, past and present, during #BlackHistoryMonth .
— Eugene Emeralds (@EugeneEmeralds) February 1, 2024
We begin by honoring some of baseball's icons and those that paved the way: https://t.co/qRGTT66YRU pic.twitter.com/pE5UX26GE8 -
Kicking off our celebration of #BlackHistoryMonth with 16-year-old Willie Mays as member of Chattanooga’s very own Negro League, the Chattanooga Choo-Choos.
— Chattanooga Lookouts (@ChattLookouts) February 1, 2024
Mays played for the Choo-Choos while still in high school. During the summers of 1945 & 1946, his father would drive him… pic.twitter.com/loxPXusBjY
9 Questions
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Nine Questions with Triston McKenzie
In celebration of Black History Month and “The Nine” initiative, the Akron RubberDucks sat down with 2018 RubberDucks pitcher and current Cleveland Guardians starter Triston McKenzie at the annual Hot Stove Banquet to discuss his career and those that inspired him. Akron RubberDucks: Triston, how do you remember getting into...
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Nine Questions with Justin Dean
Justin Dean has had a busy but productive offseason leading into the 2023 season. The 26-year-old outfielder from Mauldin, SC, played for Caneros de Los Mochis in the Pacific Winer League, guiding them to a Mexican Pacific Winter League title and a berth in the Caribbean Series. He hit .343...
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Nine Questions with Tommy Watkins
Before becoming the Minnesota Twins' third base coach, Tommy Watkins managed the Chattanooga Lookouts. In 2018, Watkins managed several future Major Leaguers including, Luis Arraez, Nick Gordon, Zack Littell, and Lamonte Wade. We sat down with Watkins this offseason to discuss his time with the Lookouts. Here is the conversation...
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Nine Questions with Former Las Vegas Manager Jerry Royster
Jerry Royster, Major League Baseball veteran and former Las Vegas 51s Manager, talks with Ron Kantowski about his time in the big leagues and Las Vegas....
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Nine Questions with Rece Hinds
Rece Hinds spent the 2022 season with the Dragons. He was originally signed as a second round draft pick in 2019 by the Reds out of Niceville, Florida. Rece was ranked by many media outlets as the player with the best raw power of any high school prospect in the...
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The Nine: Nine Questions with Former Curve Pitcher Shane Youman
In recognition of Black History Month, the Altoona Curve are pleased to once again partner with Minor League Baseball and “The Nine” Initiative to feature and celebrate some of the achievements made by black athletes in our team’s history. Last year, we took a look back at the Top-5 Black...
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'The Nine' Questions with former Bisons player and manager, Bobby Meacham
Few people in the Buffalo Bisons modern era can boast that they both played and managed the Herd in their baseball career. One of those men is Bobby Meacham, and he joined the ‘Voice of the Bisons’ Pat Malacaro for "The Nine " Questions, as well celebrate Black History Month...
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Nine Questions with Adam Brett Walker II
Lookouts outfielder Adam Brett Walker II played in Chattanooga in 2015 and set the team's all-time single-season home run record with 31 home runs. Adam also helped lead that team to their first Southern League Championship in 27 years. Last year Adam joined the Yomiuri Giants of the Nippon Professional...
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The Nine: Nine Questions with former Grizzlies' righty Jarrod Cande
In 2022, Fresno Grizzlies starting pitcher Jarrod Cande was one of the most dominant players on the field and one of the most exemplary men off the field. Media Relations Coordinator Stephen Rice sat down with Cande this offseason to discuss his views in regard to Black History Month and...
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Nine Questions with Ryan Bliss
In celebration of Black History Month, 2022 Hop Ryan Bliss reflects on his baseball path and those who helped him along the way. Bliss led the Hops in at-bats (426), plate appearances (484) and runs scored (68) in 2022, all of which are club records. He also had 91 hits,...
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The Nine: Nine Questions with former Grizzlies' star Jalal Leach
In celebration of Black History Month, teams across Minor League Baseball took a look back at five of the best Black players to suit up for their club. While some of these standout performers went on to long and illustrious Major League careers, others simply had great Minor League careers...
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The Nine: Nine Questions with Cobie Fletcher-Vance
In his first year in the Marlins organization, Cobie Fletcher-Vance played a central role in Pensacola's 2022 Southern League championship season. Acquired in the minor league portion of the Rule 5 Draft, Fletcher-Vance played the entire season for the Blue Wahoos and provided a clutch go-ahead grand slam in the...
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Nine Questions with Former Gwinnett Outfielder Stefan Gartrell
Last season, as Minor League Baseball launched “The Nine” to honor and celebrate the historic impact of Black athletes in professional baseball, the Gwinnett Stripers contributed by looking back at the on-field accomplishments of the top five Black players in Atlanta Braves’ Triple-A history. Just one of the five –...
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Nine questions with pitcher Marc Church
In celebration of Black History Month, broadcaster Zach Bigley sat down with 2022 RoughRiders reliever Marc Church for a conversation about his career and the impact he has had on his community in Atlanta, Georgia. In keeping with Minor League Baseball’s “The Nine” initiative, Church answered nine wide-ranging questions about...
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The Nine: Nine Questions With Nasim Nuñez
Nasim Nuñez was the starting shortstop on the Pensacola Blue Wahoos’ 2022 Southern League championship team, and as he prepares for the 2023 season he took some time out of his busy schedule to join broadcaster Erik Bremer for a conversation to kick off Black History Month. In keeping with...
Community Connections
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Flying Squirrels maintain legacy of the 'Richmond 34'
On February 22, 1960, 34 Virginia Union University students were arrested following a peaceful sit-in protest at the whites-only lunch counter of Thalhimers Department Store in downtown Richmond. The "Richmond 34" sit-in ultimately led to the integration of Thalhimers and influenced legislation in the Civil Rights Act of 1964. In 2021, the Flying Squirrels launched a series of initiatives to celebrate the legacy of the Richmond 34.
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Partnership With Stoutsburg Sourland African American Museum Expanded In 2024
Bridgewater, New Jersey – The Somerset Patriots, the New York Yankees Double-A affiliate, have announced that the team will expand their partnership with Stoutsburg Sourland African American Museum (SSAAM) this season. SSAAM tells the story of the unique culture, experiences, and contributions of the African American community of the Sourland...
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Somerset honors the New York Black Yankees
During the season, the Patriots will be honoring the New York Black Yankees, a professional Negro Leagues baseball team based in New York City, Paterson, New Jersey, and Rochester, New York from 1932 to 1948.
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Grizzlies, Jumbo Shrimp honor Negro Leagues
Fresno and Jacksonville don alternate identities, salute rich history
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MiLB clubs embrace communities on Juneteenth
Affiliates host parades, flag ceremonies and more to mark holiday
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Lookouts, Barons celebrate the Negro Leagues
Chattanooga, Birmingham honor historic Choo-Choos, Black Barons
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Indianapolis and Columbus to Honor ABCs and Blue Birds in Negro Leagues Summer Series
Indians-Clippers to celebrate Minor League Baseball’s “The Nine” initiative with a head-to-head series salute to the Negro Leagues
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Ribault Trojans take second straight High School Heritage Classic
Ribault High School wins A. Philip Randolph Cup with 8-3 victory
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Blue Rocks celebrate Hall-of-Famer Johnson
Wilmington full of pride for homegrown Negro Leagues legend
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Cannon Ballers help local community progress
Kannapolis hosts second annual MLK Dream Day celebration
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A look at late season Negro League tributes
Paying homage in Bowie, Mississippi, Frisco and Wilmington
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Flying Squirrels keep Richmond 34 Legacy alive
This weekend's events are flagship of far-reaching initiative
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Renegades launch two Black History Month initiatives
Throughout the month of February, team will highlight local organizations and baseball pioneers with local ties
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Saints celebrate barnstorming Colored Gophers
St. Paul also pays respects to 'Daddy,' the club's legendary founder
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M-Braves, JSU partnering to salute the Negro Leagues on Saturday
First pitch is scheduled for 6:05 pm with fireworks after the game
Top Black Players by Team
In celebration of Black History Month, teams across Minor League Baseball are looking back at five of the best Black players to suit up for their club. While some of these standout performers went on to long and illustrious Major League careers, others simply had great Minor League careers or, in some cases, just one incredible season that went down as “a year for the ages."